Port Washington High School LOOKING TO YOUR FUTURE

Transcription

1 Port Washington High School LOOKING TO YOUR FUTURE A Post-Secondary Guide for Students and Parents

2 To Parents and Students: This handbook is specifically designed to assist all students in gaining a better understanding of the procedures to be followed for technical college admission, college admission, or entry into the military or job market. Please read it carefully and keep it handy for reference during your four years at Port Washington High School. Planning for the future is a complex and challenging task. It requires time, thought, organization, and a sense of perspective. Proceeding carefully and planning well are worth all of this effort. The success of your plans will be directly proportional to the time and effort put into them. To Students: Utilize self-assessment in your selection process, work with the materials in the guidance office, and carefully evaluate what you learn. Mark the important test deadlines and take advantage of the ACT and SAT preparation workshops. Follow the timelines and guidelines for your application or entry procedure to the letter. Although you cannot be guaranteed acceptance to a particular technical college, university, military service, or job, taking an active and responsible role in the admission or entry process, seeking help when needed, and making realistic choices will certainly increase your potential for success. Sincerely, Port Washington High School Staff NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Pursuant to Section , Stats., no student shall be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, parental or marital status, sexual orientation, or physical, learning, mental, or emotional disability. This policy shall apply to all areas of education including, but not limited to, admission, placement, student discipline, grading, instructional materials selection, curriculum, interscholastic and extracurricular activities, food services. The policy is intended to extend to all educational activities of the student. The School District will also take all necessary actions to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all other state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in educational programs and activities. The Superintendent shall also ensure that proper notice of nondiscrimination for Title I, Title II, Title IV, Title VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Act is provided to all students, their parents, staff members, and the general public. Reference: Board Policy 2260 Nondiscrimination Access to Equal Educational Opportunity i

3 Contents Letter to Parents and Students i Letter to Students i Nondiscrimination Policy i KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS Port Washington High School Graduation Requirements Academic Achievements Testing Personal Accomplishments Post-High School Options Self -Assessment WORK MILITARY SERVICE TECHNICAL COLLEGE Six Good Reasons to Go to a Technical College Visit the Wisconsin Technical College System on the Internet Wisconsin Technical College Admissions Technical College Degrees and Diplomas Wisconsin Technical College System MATC Programs by Career Area Minnesota Technical Colleges FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES Planning for Four-Year College College Entrance Testing Test Coaching College Admissions Guidelines for Admission to College Most Difficult Very Difficult Moderately Difficult Minimally Difficult NCAA Requirements INTERNET CONNECTIONS College Search Web Sites College Information University of Wisconsin System College Information Wisconsin Technical System Virtual Career Development THE PROCESS College Selection College Visits The College Application The College Application College Application Procedures Transcripts Sending Test Score Reports College Essays Letters of Recommendation College Interviews College Application Checklist FINANCIAL AID Scholarships Sources of Scholarship and Financial Aid Information on the Internet OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION REFERENCES MAJOR FIELDS OF STUDY BY DISCIPLINE GLOSSARY ii

4 KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS Port Washington High School Graduation Requirements* Courses Credits Required Record your credits at the end of each semester Communications Science Mathematics Social Studies , 11, 12 10, 11, 12 10, 11, 12 10, 11, 12 10, 11, 12 10, 11, 12 Physical 1 ½ Education Health ½ 9 **Electives *Many colleges and universities require more academic course work for admissions; the courses listed above are the minimum credits required by Port Washington High School. **Students must earn at least ½ credit in 3 of the following areas: Fine Arts, Vocational, Foreign Language, or Computer Intensive. Cumulative GPA Class Rank Academic Achievements Testing EXPLORE Scores Date: English Math Reading Science Composite PLAN Scores Date: English Math Reading Science Composite WKCE Scores Date: Reading Language Math Science Social Studies PSAT Scores Date: Verbal Math Sel. Index Percentile ACT Scores Date(s): English Math Reading Science Composite Writing SAT I Scores Date(s): Critical Reading Math Writing SAT II Scores (subject tests) Date(s): Test / Score Test / Score Test / Score 1

5 Personal Accomplishments College, military, and job applications often ask for a listing of personal accomplishments and ways in which the applicant has positively contributed to his/her school and community. Keeping track of your activities as you do them throughout your high school years (in some cases, prior activities) ensures that you will not miss anything important that the application reviewer might consider in your favor. Date each activity's start and completion, and where appropriate, record hours of service. The list below is designed to meet a wide variety of needs; do not feel intimidated if your personal list doesn't start or fill a category(s). Community Service Church Activities School Clubs School Service School Sports Sports Outside of School Hobbies and Interests Employment 2

6 Post-High School Options Traditionally, students have had four options from which to choose after high school: 1. Work 2. Military Service 3. Technical College (one to two-year programs or less) 4. Four-Year College Careful thought and consideration is necessary when selecting a post-high school option(s). One should consider his/her goals, talents, preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. What contributions does one wish to make in life? What is expected from life? How can one accomplish personal goals? Both long- and short-range consequences need to be anticipated. It is advisable to talk with a variety of knowledgeable people and to research available materials to the fullest. This, however, does not guarantee that any choice(s) made now will be totally satisfactory in the future. People and situations change throughout our lifetimes; options and choices may change along with them. Self-awareness is one of the most important aspects in career and educational choices. Below are some areas that must be strongly considered before making decisions and future plans. Self-Assessment Personal Strengths Classes Most Enjoyed Areas Needing Further Development Jobs of Interest 3

7 WORK If you plan to work full-time immediately after high school, you will need to develop and maintain a resume. This is a brief record of one's personal history and experience that is submitted with a job application. Resume examples may be obtained from the Business Education Department. Other materials may be offered in the Port Washington Public Library, Saukville Public Library, or employment agencies. When filling out a job application, be sure that you read over the entire application before you begin to write on it. If the directions tell you to use a typewriter, or use a certain ink color, or to hand-print, do so! Failure to follow directions on an application will tell the employer that you may not be able to (or willing to) follow directions on the job or meet the job expectations. If you are called for an interview, dress conservatively and be well-groomed for the occasion. Do not smoke, chew gum, or distract the potential employer with other inappropriate mannerisms. Be on time and courteous. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. A follow-up letter reviewing your skills and another thank-you could make the difference between an employer hiring you or someone else. Employers want to hire people who have adequate written and verbal communication skills. If you are lacking in this area, consider enrolling in a technical college full- or part-time to increase your skills. Promotions and pay increases are usually awarded to the most qualified and hard-working employees. Salary is usually commensurate with the amount of training or schooling the worker has accumulated. It is possible, even likely, that your employer will require you to acquire additional schooling at some point in time. Classes are sometimes brought to the workplace or an employee can be sent to a school. Some employers pay for the extra training, while others will expect that the employee pay for his/her own development. Employers appreciate self-starters. These are employees who have common sense and do not need to be told what to do at every turn. They figure out ways to do their jobs better, faster, and more efficiently. They do more than what is required. Current job listings can be found in newspaper advertisements, other employment agencies, and in posted listings at schools and businesses. However, one of the best resources for the Ozaukee County area is: Workforce Development Center MATC North Campus 5555 W. Highland Road Mequon, Wisconsin (262) The Workforce Development Center is a public-private partnership between Job Service, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Ozaukee County Department of Social Services, and the Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Private Industry Council, Inc. Technical colleges and four-year colleges and universities are open to adults of any age. If you wish to continue your education in the near or distant future, the Guidance Department staff or Workforce Development Center can suggest ways to get started. 4

8 MILITARY SERVICE 1. Most military jobs are similar to those in civilian life. Therefore, the training and experience in military jobs can be helpful in preparing for a civilian career. 2. Excellent financial aid for education is available through the military. 3. Guidance counselors can assist in arranging for a recruiter to come to the high school to explain the types and lengths of enlistments, the choices of training programs, and the locations for which you might qualify. 4. Brochures on the branches of military service are available in the counseling office. 5. Special training programs exist for those students interested in becoming military officers. Military Service Academies (U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland) offer four years of college education leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Candidates for these academies must have a nomination from a U.S. senator, U.S. representative, the Vice President, or the President. It is not necessary to know the member of Congress personally to obtain an appointment. The academies offer fully paid tuition, room, and board. If you are interested in attending an academy, contact your guidance counselor no later than early in your junior year. ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) and NROTC (Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps) are military units at public and private colleges and universities throughout the country. Training consists of two to five hours of military instruction per week and some summer training periods. ROTC and NROTC graduates fulfill their military obligation by service on active duty as regular or reserve officers for stipulated periods of time ranging from three months to two or more years, plus maintaining such reserve association as may be required to complete all military obligations. ROTC and NROTC programs offer some pay and/or financial assistance with education to those enrolled in their programs. Officer candidate programs offer opportunities for college graduates to earn commissions in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard even though they have had no ROTC or other prior military training. Applications may be made for enlistment from civilian life to attend officer candidate or training schools. Officer candidate schools vary with each branch of the armed forces. 5

9 TECHNICAL COLLEGE Technical colleges are two-year schools specializing in occupational training for employment. In Wisconsin, sixteen districts-each with its own technical college, many with more than one campus-make up the Wisconsin Technical College System. Each district is individually governed but commonly united in serving the needs of Wisconsin, its people, business, and future. Technical colleges offer flexible scheduling, low-cost tuition, counseling services, and a wide variety of programs. People from every walk of life and a wide range of age groups go to technical colleges. Some pursue a two-year associate degree, which leads to an associate degree for persons seeking careers as technicians or paraprofessionals. Some choose a one to two-year vocational diploma program, which is a specialized program for persons who want to prepare for a job or to upgrade job skills. Others select a vocational certificate program, which leads to a certificate for persons who want to prepare for a job or to upgrade job skills. Certificate programs usually take one semester or less to finish. For those who anticipate transferring to a four-year college for a bachelor's degree, a college parallel program is available. Wisconsin's technical colleges pride themselves on their outstanding faculty. You'll find as many good teachers at two-year colleges as there are anywhere else. Three out of four instructors at two-year colleges hold master's degrees and between 10 and 20 percent have doctorates. Technical colleges vary somewhat, but almost all of them offer special interest clubs, a student newspaper, student government organizations, athletics, intramural sports, cultural activities such as films and lectures, and special events such as dances. Six Good Reasons to Go to a Technical College 1. High Employment Placement 93% of technical college students are employed within six months after graduation. The colleges monitor the job market and offer programs to meet its demands. 2. Save Money Two-year colleges are usually less expensive than four year colleges, and the quality of education is outstanding. 3. Save Time In today's economy, it's important to develop marketable skills as quickly as possible and get established in a career. Most programs can be completed in one or two years, and some are less than six months long. 4. Nurturing Environment Faculty members are concerned about you, the student. Classes are small and personalized; you'll never feel like "just a number," 5. Diversity of Programs Whatever your interest, the system has something for you. Across the state, over 250 associate degree and vocational programs are offered. 6. Put Down Roots If you like your community and want to stay there, then the local two-year college may be just right for you. Visit the Wisconsin Technical College System on the Internet The Wisconsin Technical College System is accessible on the Internet. The Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) website is linked to this address, as are the other individual Wisconsin public technical colleges. Internet users may apply to any of the state's technical colleges by using an electronic application, available at the above website. 6

10 Wisconsin Technical College Admissions Wisconsin technical colleges each have an "open door" policy that attempts to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their skill levels at the time of entry. However, many associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs have specific standards which must be met prior to admission to those programs. The technical colleges offer programs for students who have not completed the necessary high school courses or lack the basic skills needed. High school students who meet the requirements can avoid remediation and begin programs immediately. State-wide commonly required high school level courses include: Algebra: Biology: Chemistry: Typing: Geometry: 109 programs 52 programs 40 programs 29 programs 20 programs Any student who meets the Port Washington High School graduation requirements also meets the basic requirements for admission to any of the Wisconsin Technical Colleges. However, additional courses may have to be taken at the technical college to meet the prerequisites for certain programs. The counseling office has the addresses for all the technical colleges in the state, as well as for many in the nation. Students may call or write the Admissions Office of the school in which they have an interest to obtain an application. Most technical colleges charge a fee for processing an application. These fees vary from school to school. Technical college tuition may be least expensive if the student enters a school in his/her own state. Individual outof-state schools must be contacted to determine the fees (if any) that are charged to nonresidents. Technical College Degrees and Diplomas Associate Degrees Associate degrees are two-year programs that combine technical skills with math, communications and social sciences. One- and Two-Year Technical Diplomas Technical diplomas offer hands-on learning of occupational skills. Short-Term Programs Short-term programs are occupational programs of less than one year. College Parallel Programs College parallel programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four-year baccalaureate college education. These credits readily transfer to four-year institutions within Wisconsin. College Parallel programs are available at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and Nicolet Area Technical College. Advanced Technical Certificates Advanced Technical Certificates are nine to 12 advanced credits that help students meet the needs of employers who are seeking highly skilled workers in business, health, and trade and industrial fields. At least six of these credits are in advanced content beyond the associate degree. Apprentice-Related Instruction This classroom training is provided for registered apprentices while they receive on-the-job training nom their employer. Course by Course Courses may be taken anytime throughout the year to continue learning, upgrade job-related skills, or for personal interest. 7

11 Wisconsin Technical College System Technical Colleges Blackhawk Technical College Chippewa Valley Technical College Fox Valley Technical College Gateway Technical College Lakeshore Technical College Madison Area Technical College Mid-State Technical College Milwaukee Area Technical College Moraine Park Technical College Nicolet Area Technical College Northcentral Technical College Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Waukesha County Technical College Western Wisconsin Technical College Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Campus Locations Janesville, Beloit, Monroe Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Neilsville, River Falls Appleton, Chilton, Clintonville, Neenah, Oshkosh, Waupaca, Wautoma Elkhorn, Burlington, Kenosha, Racine Cleveland, Manitowoc, Sheboygan Madison, Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg, Watertown Wisconsin Rapids, Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point Milwaukee, Mequon, Oak Creek, West Allis Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, West Bend Rhinelander, Minocqua Wausau, Antigo, Medford, Phillips, Wittenberg, Spencer Green Bay, Marinette, Sturgeon Bay Fennimore Pewaukee, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls La Crosse, Black River Fails, Independence, Mauston, Sparta, Tomah, Viroqua Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior MATC Programs by Career Area *Collaborative Program Accounting and Banking Programs Accounting A.A.S. Banking and Financial Services A.A.S. Computerized Accounting Assistant Technical Diploma Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration, and Appliance Servicing Programs Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and HeatingTechnical Diploma AirConditioningand Refrigeration Technology A.A.S. Appliance Technician Technical Diploma APPRENTICE PROGRAMS Industrial Pipefitter Refrigeration/Service Fitter Sheet Metal Worker Steamfitter Allied Health Programs (also see Dental Health and Nursing Career Areas) Anesthesia Technology A.A.S. Cardiovascular Technology A.A.S. Clinical Laboratory Technician A.A.S. Community Pharmacy Technician Technical Diploma Dietary Manager Technical Diploma Dietectic Technician A.A.S. *Electroneurodiagnostic Technician A.A.S. Electroneurodiagnostic Funeral Service A.A.S. *Health Information Technology A.A.S. Health Unit Coordinator Technical Diploma Human Service Associate A.A.S. Medical Assistant Technical Diploma Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma Occupational Therapy Assistant A.A.S. Opticianry Science A.A.S. Pharmacy Technician Technical Diploma Phlebotomy Technical Diploma Physical Therapist Assistant A.A.S. Radiography A.A.S. Registered Radiographer Educational Progression A.A.S. Renal Dialysis Technician Technical Diploma Respiratory Care A.A.S. Surgical Technology A.A.S. CERTIFICATES: Dispensing Optician Medical Coding Medical Language Interpretation Medical Lab Technician Automotive. Diesel, and Aviation Programs Auto Collision Repair and Finish Technician Technical Diploma Automotive Maintenance Technician Technical Diploma Automotive Technology A.A.S. Aviation Technician - Airframe Technical Diploma - Powerplant Technical Diploma Diesel and Powertrain Servicing Technical Diploma APPRENTICE PROGRAM: Automotive Mechanic 8

12 MATC Programs by Career Area (cont.) *Collaborative Program Building Construction Programs Architectural Woodworking/Cabinetmaking Technical Diploma Bricklaying/Masonry Technical Diploma Carpentry Technical Diploma Electrical Power Distribution/Line Mechanic Technical Diploma Electricity Technical Diploma Preparatory Plumbing Technical Diploma MATC CERTIFICATE: Construction Electricity APPRENTICE PROGRAMS: Bricklayer and Mason Cabinetmaker Cement Mason Construction Electrician Drywall Taper and Finisher Glazier Heat and Frost Insulator Painter and Decorator Refrigeration/Service Fitter Roofer Sheet Metal Worker Sprinkler Fitter Steamfitter Business Management Programs *Broadcast Captioning Business Mid-Management A.A.S. HoteI/Hospitality Management A.A.S. Logistics A.A.S. Management Development A.A.S. (Supervisory Management) Paralegal A.A.S. MATC CERTIFICATES: Business Mid-Management Hotel/Hospitality Management - Food and Beverage - Marketing and Sales - Rooms Division Human Resource Management Paralegal Project Management Supervisory Management Chemical and Environmental Sciences Programs Chemical Technician A.A.S. Environmental and Pollution Control Technician A.A.S. Clinical Laboratory Technician A.A.S. Community Services Programs Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Human Service Associate A.A.S. CERTIFICATES: Early Childhood Associate Degree Certificates Early Child hood Continuing Education Certificates APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM: EarlyChildhood Education Computer Information Programs Computer Electronics Technology A.A.S. Computer Information Systems - MicrocomputerSpecialist A.A.S. - Network Specialist A.A.S. -Programmer/Analyst A.A.S. ecommercelwebadministration A.A.S. Information Security Specialist A.A.S. CERTIFICATES: Cisco lntemetworking. Computer Programming Intemet Skills LAN Specialist Microcomputer Skills Microsoft Network Small Business and Personal Webpage Design Web Programming Dental Health Programs Dental Assistant Technical Diploma Dental Hygiene A.A.S. Dental Technician Technical Diploma Design and Drafting Programs Architectural Technology A.A.S. Civil Engineering Technology A.A.S. Interior Design A.A.S. Landscape Horticulture A.A.S. Mechanical and Computer Drafting Technical Diploma Mechanical Design Technician A.A.S. ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE 3D Solid Modeling. CERTIFICATES: Land Surveying Residential Sales Electronic Technology Programs Biomedical Electronics Technology A.A.S. Computer Electronics Technology A.A.S. Computer Information Systems Electronic Engineering Technology A.A.S. Electronic Technology A.A.S. CERTIFICATES: Basic Electronics (Computer Media Lab) Basic Electronics (Core Curriculum) Industrial Electronics and Controls APPRENTICE PROGRAM: Industrial Electrician (Maintenance Electrician) Engineering Technology Programs Biomedical Electronics Technology A.A.S. Chemical Technician A.A.S. Civil Engineering Technology Computer Electronics Technology A.A.S. Electronic Engineering Technology A.A.S. Electronic Technology A.A.S. Industrial Engineering Technician A.A.S. Mechanical Design Technician A.A.S. Power Engineering and Boiler Operator Technical Diploma Food Service Programs Baking Production Technical Diploma Culinary Arts A.A.S.. Dietary Manager Technical Diploma Dietetic Technician A.A.S. APPRENTICE PROGRAMS: Culinary (Cook) Retail Bakery Production 9

13 MATC Programs by Career Area (cont.) *Collaborative Program Graphic Arts and Television/Video Production Programs Graphic Design A.A.A. Photography A.A.S. Printing Technical Diploma Printing and Publishing A.A.S. Television and Video Production A.A.S. Visual Communication/ComputerGraphics A.A.S. ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATES: Advanced Computer Videotape Editing Graphic Technologies/Web Development CERTIFICATES: Customer Service Representative Desktop Publishing Graphic Arts Graphic Technologies Information Design and Publishing Multimedia Photography and Digital Imaging Prepress Technology Press Production Horticulture Programs Landscape Horticulture A.A.S. CERTIFICATE: LandCADD Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Programs Culinary Arts A.A.S. Hotel/Hospitality Management A.A.S. Interior Design A.A.S. Music Occupations A.A.S. Travel Industry (Agent) Training Technical Diploma Travel Services A.A.S. Manufacturing and Metal Fabrication Systems Programs Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine Operator/Programmer Technical Diploma Fluid Power Maintenance Technical Dip1oma Industrial Engineering Technician A.A.S. Machine Tool Operations Technical Diploma - Automatic Screw Machine Setup and Operation -CNC Machine Setup and Operation Tool and Die Making Technical Diploma Welding Technical Diploma Welding Technology A.A.S. ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE: Certified Welding Inspector APPRENTICE PROGRAMS: Industrial Pipefitter Machine Repair Machine Tool (Machinist) Tool and Die Maker Tool Maker Marketing Programs ecommerce/web Administration A.A.S. Fashion/Retail Marketing A.A.S. *Global Business Specialist A.A.S. Logistics A.A.S. Marketing Management A.A.S. Real Estate A.A.S. Travel Industry (Agent) Training Technical Diploma Travel Services A.A.S. 10 ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE: Mobile Commerce Quality Management CERTIFICATES: ecommerce Fundamentals International Marketing Marketing Communications Marketing Specialist Materials Management Purchasing Quality Customer Management Real Estate Building and Home Inspection Retail Management Specialist Sales Specialist Transportation/Logistics Materials Sciences Programs Materials Technology (Metals)A.A.S. CERTIFICATES: Foundry/Metal Casting Metallurgical Technician APPRENTICE PROGRAM: Patternmaker Nursing Programs Health Unit Coordinator Technical Diploma Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma Practical Nursing Technical Diploma Practical Nursing RN Educational Progression A.A.S. Registered Nursing A.A.S. Office Technology Programs Administrative Assistant A.A.S. Bilingual Office Assistant Technical Diploma Judicial Reporting A.A.S. Legal Secretary A.A.S. Medical Administrative Specialist A.A.S. Office Technology Assistant Technical Diploma CERTIFICATES: Business Technology Medical Billing Specialist Medical Transcription Personal Services Programs Barber/Cosmetologist Technical Diploma Interpreter Technician A.A.S. Music Occupations A.A.S. CERTIFICATES: Barber/Cosmetologist - Instructor - Manager Music Recording Nail Technician APPRENTICE PROGRAM: Barber/Cosmetologist Protection Services Programs Criminal Justice Law Enforcement A.A.S. Fire Science A.A.S. MATC CERTIFICATE: Law Enforcement Technical Studies Programs Individualized Technical Studies A.A.S. Technical Studies: Apprentice A.A.S.

14 Minnesota Technical Colleges Minnesota's tuition reciprocity status with Wisconsin applies to technical colleges as well as four-year colleges. Below is a list of Minnesota's technical colleges. They can all be accessed on the Internet through the Minnesota Schools Web Site or information may be obtained by calling toll free: 1 (888) Alexandria Technical College Alexandria, MN Anoka-Hennepin Technical College Anika, MN Century College, A Community and Technical College White Bear Lake, MN Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MN Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN Eden Prairie, MN Hibbing Community College, A Community and Technical College Hibbing, MN Mesabi Range Community and Technical College Eveleth, MN Virginia, MN Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN Minnesota West Community and Technical College Canby,MN Granite Falls, MN Jackson, MN Pipestone, MN Worthington, MN Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MN Northwest Technical College Bemidji, MN Detroit Lakes, MN East Grand Forks, MN Moorhead, MN Wadena, MN Pine Technical College Pine City, MN Red Wing/Winona Technical College Red Wing, MN Winona, MN Ridgewater College, A Community and Technical College Hutchinson, MN Willmar, MN Riverland Community College, A Technical and Community College Albert Lea, MN Austin, MN Rochester Community & Technical College Rochester, MN St. Cloud Technical College St. Cloud, MN St. Paul Technical College St. Paul, MN South Central Technical College Faribault,MN Mankato, MN 11

15 FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES Planning for Four-Year College Planning for college can be a complicated process, and it begins early in high school. Details and deadlines are vital! 8th Grade Orientation Establish a File Course Selection Counselor Contacts Career Resources College Entrance Testing and Preliminary Testing College Visits Senior Instructions Get to know your counselor so your counselor can get to know you. Your counselor has a wealth of knowledge, which can be of great help when you formalize your freshman year courses. Log all of your extracurricular activities and offices held. Record achievements as they are accomplished. Include school, community, and church activities. When you are a senior this file will save you a lot of time, omissions, and mistakes. This is important even in the freshman year. One needs to take enough academic units (definitely communications, social studies, mathematics, and science; possibly foreign language, art, music, and/or computer science) at the highest appropriate level possible. Your counselor can make course suggestions based on your abilities and your post-high school plans. Your counselor will request several meetings with you. Counselors will arrange to meet with one of your classes in your sophomore year to introduce many facets of career development. Computer and online resources are also introduced. In the junior year you will meet individually to discuss your post-high school plans. All the above meetings are counselor-initiated. If you wish additional time to discuss your future plans, you are encouraged to contact your counselor as the need arises. Each student is introduced to a comprehensive computer program designed to give information on careers, career matches, schools, school matches, and programs of study suited to individual needs. Students are encouraged to use this program often. This resource is available on the counseling office website under careers. Students take the EXPLORE test in the fall of their freshman year, and the PLAN test in the fall of their sophomore year. The PSAT is offered in the fall of their junior year. The ACT and/or SAT I is taken in the spring of the junior year. If you are unsure which test is appropriate for you, see your counselor. Also, some colleges require their applicants to take one or more SAT II Tests. See the section on "College Entrance Testing" in this publication. Visit the schools you might wish to attend. Most students begin doing this in the second semester of their junior year. See the section on "College Visits" in this publication. A senior Parent Night is provided to help answer questions about college entrance requirements and the application process. Counselors also meet individually with each senior to discuss post high school plans, the application process, and where to find scholarship opportunities. 12

16 Planning for Four-Year College (cont.) College and Housing Applications Check Continue Academic Excellence Scholarships Financial Aid Advanced Placement Tests Notify Colleges Placement Tests After Graduation Students are encouraged to submit their college applications online. If you are unable to access the Web, your counselor has applications for all of the UW System schools and some private Wisconsin schools. Applications which are not available online or in the guidance office may be obtained by writing to the individual college(s). Applications (or counselor page from the on line application) must be processed by your counselor. Do not send in an application on your own if you are applying on paper! Note: While most college applications are usually submitted in September, October, and November, sometimes students ask counselors to process applications just before the winter break. If you do this, make sure you submit the application no later than one week before the vacation begins if you expect it to be sent before the break. See "The College Application Process" section in this publication. Consult the college catalog and any information which has been sent to you so that you are sure you have met all deadlines and have fulfilled your obligations. Do your best throughout your senior year. Yes, it does matter. Most schools request a formal transcript from the counseling office. A college acceptance offer could be rescinded if the student's senior year grades indicate a significant downward slide. Also, any schedule changes done after acceptance to a college needs to be approved from the college you are planning to attend. Remember, you were accepted based off of your courses you are taking your senior year as well. Your acceptance could also be rescinded if you do not notify the college of any changes in your senior schedule. Apply to all scholarship sources for which you qualify. That extra effort could pay off See the "Scholarships" section in this publication. Attend the evening financial aid meeting if you plan to apply for financial aid. This is generally held in January with several area high schools. Complete your federal (FAFSA) and/or institution financial aid packet in January and February of your senior year. See the "Financial Aid" section in this publication. If you are enrolled in an Advanced Placement course, consider taking the Advanced Placement Examination in that subject for potential college credit. All UW-System schools guarantee college credit if the student earns a grade of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Examination. Check with your AP course teacher. If you have applied to several schools and have decided on one school to attend, notify the other school(s) that you will not attend. This is a common courtesy to the school(s) and to other potential candidates who have been waitlisted. Some colleges require a set of tests for placement purposes. Follow the college's specifications. The counseling department staff is available to help you even after you graduate. If you need assistance, please call for an appointment. 13

17 College Entrance Testing The following outline is a general guide on taking college entrance exams. Before a student considers taking one of these tests, the counselor should be consulted. We generally recommend taking the ACT and/or the SAT I in the spring of the junior year. Registration is required for the ACT, SAT I, and SAT II at least four weeks in advance. Failure to submit the registration materials by the regular deadline is very costly! The Port Washington High School counseling office has application packets for each of the college entrance tests. However, both testing agencies are encouraging students to register online. If a paper registration is needed, get one well in advance because reading and filling them out may take several hours. ACT (American College Testing Program) Test Dates: Six Saturdays, one each in September, October, December, February, April, June The ACT is usually taken if you plan to: 1. Attend a college in the University of Wisconsin System or any Midwest University. 2. Attend a selective private or public school. 3. Attend a military academy or apply for a ROTC or NROTC scholarship program. 4. Attempt to qualify for admission by examination when class rank is below that which is expected. Registration for the ACT may be done online at the ACT website If you register or reregister online, it is necessary to pay using a VISA or MasterCard credit card. The ACT offers a Plus Writing option for an extra charge. The ACT website lists the post-secondary schools by state that require this test. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Tests) SAT I: Reasoning Test Test Dates: Seven Saturdays, one each in October, November, December, January, March, May, June The SAT I is usually taken if you plan to: 1. Attend a selective private or public school (especially on the Eastern Seaboard and West Coast). 2. Attend a military academy or apply for. the various ROTC scholarship programs. 3. Attempt to qualify for admission by examination when class rank is below that which is expected. SAT II: Subject Tests Test Dates: Six Saturdays, one each in October, November, December, January, May, June Subject Areas: Writing, Literature, Math Level I, Math Level IIC (with calculator), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, American History and Social Studies, World History, French (reading only), German (reading only), Modem Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish (reading only). These are one-hour, multiple choice tests in specific subjects. The SAT II: Subject Tests measure knowledge of particular subjects and ability to apply that knowledge. Some colleges require one or more SAT II: Subject Tests for admissions or placement purposes. Some require various combinations of tests; others permit students to choose. Check the requirements of the colleges to which you might apply. Nationally, about 150 colleges "require" and approximately 100 colleges "suggest" taking SAT II: Subject Tests. Some of the most competitive colleges use the SAT II: Subject Tests in making admissions or placement decisions. It is not necessary to wait until the senior year. Those students who take the A.P. Biology course would be taking the A.P. Biology Exam in lieu of the regular SAT II: Subject Test in Biology. It is not wise to take an extra SAT II: Subject Test solely for the purpose of "getting your money's worth," although you may take up to three tests on your testing date. The number of tests you take and the order in which you take them is your decision at the time of the actual test. You do not inform CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) in advance as to which test(s) you will take. However, like the ACT and SAT I, SAT II: Subject Tests require registration weeks in advance. Registration for the SAT l or SAT II Subject Tests maybe done online at the College Board website If you register or reregister online, it is necessary to pay using a VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit card. 14

18 Test Coaching There is a bewildering array of courses, books, and computer software programs available to help one prepare for the ACT and SAT. Some do no more than provide the familiarization and practice already given in the registration packets. American College Testing (ACT) and The College Board (SAT I and SAT II) both say that there is no evidence to suggest that taking expensive coaching courses will improve test scores. The best preparation is done by taking higher level courses in the core subject areas of English, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies. The Port Washington High School Guidance Office has a number of materials that will help you to become familiar with the types of questions found on the ACT and the SAT. College Admissions The student's high school record is the most important single factor used by colleges in admitting a student. That record contains courses taken, achievement in those courses, class rank, attendance, and extracurricular activities. The entire University of Wisconsin System requires: Core College Preparatory Credits: 13 Credits English 4 credits Natural Science 3 credits Mathematics 3 credits (minimum-algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra) Social Science 3 credits Elective Credits: 4 Credits These are to be chosen from the above core college preparatory areas, foreign (world) language(s)*, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas. Some UW System institutions may also accept vocational courses for some of these 4 elective credits. (*UW-Madison and UW-Eau Claire require a minimum 2 credits of a single foreign (world) language. The UW-Madison School of Business requires three years of a high school foreign language or three semesters of a college language course. Students are encouraged to meet this requirement in high school.) UW-Milwaukee, UW-Parkside, and UW-Platteville require the study of a foreign language to satisfy their graduation requirements; this can be done at the high school or college level. The University of Minnesota requires: English 4 credits Mathematics* 3 credits Science* 3 credits Social Studies 3 credits, including I year each in geography and U.S. History (geography is incorporated into Port Washington High School's social studies curriculum and meets Minnesota's requirement) Foreign Language 2 credits in a single foreign language Arts 1 credit in visual and/or performing arts The University also recommends courses in computer skills. * The Institute of Technology and the college of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities campus require four years of mathematics, including geometry in two and three dimensions and trigonometry. Both colleges also require three years of science, including one year each of physics, chemistry, and biology. (Minnesota and Wisconsin have a reciprocal tuition agreement.) For information on specific entrance requirements of the UW System schools and the University of Minnesota, contact your counselor. 15

19 Guidelines for Admission to College Colleges and universities can, to a degree, be grouped into categories according to difficulty of competition and entrance requirements. The following lists are not a rating of colleges by academic standards or quality of education; it is an attempt to describe the situation potential students will meet when they apply for admission. The requirements listed are only an approximate idea of what these colleges prefer. Other factors, such as creativity, special talents, and recommendations can compensate for slight deficiencies in preparation. Entrance standards vary depending upon the school or division of a university to which the student applies. The following college categories are from Bridges Transitions Inc Most Difficult Even superior students will encounter a great deal of competition for admission to the colleges in this category. In general, more than 75% of the college freshmen in this tier are in the top 10% of their high school class. College entrance test scores at these colleges are generally over 1310 on the SAT I (combined scores) and 29 or above on the ACT. In addition, many of these colleges admit only a small percentage of those who apply-usually fewer than 30%. Most students will have taken Advanced Placement and accelerated course work in high school. High School Academic Preparation Preferred and/or Recommended: English: 4 credits Mathematics: 4 credits (algebra, geometry, advanced algebra and higher) Foreign Language: 3 to 4 credits Social Studies: 3 to 4 credits Science: 3 to 4 credits Amherst College (Amherst, MA) Barnard College (New York, NY) Bates College (Lewiston, ME) Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME) Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) Brown University (Providence, RI) Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA) California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA) Colby College (Waterville, ME) Columbia College (New York, NY) Columbia University, School of General Studies (New York, NY) Columbia University, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (New York, NY) Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (New York, NY) Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH) Duke University (Durham, NC) Emory University (Atlanta, GA) Georgetown University (Washington, DC) Gettysburg College (Gettysburg, PA) Grove City College (Grove City, PA) Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) Harvey Mudd College (Claremont, CA) Haverford College (Haverford, P A) Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) Lafayette College (Easton, PA) Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT) 16 New York University (New York, NY) Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) Pomona College (Claremont, CA) Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) Queen's University at Kingston (Kingston, ON Canada) Reed College (Portland, OR) Rice University (Houston, TX) Royal Military College of Canada (Kingston, ON Canada) Stanford University (Stanford, CA) Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, P A) The Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, PA) The Juilliard School (New York, NY) Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences Schools (Moline, IL) Tufts University (Medford, MA) United States Air Force Academy (USAF Academy, CO) United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) University of Chicago (Chicago, IL) University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN) University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, P A) University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) Washington and Lee University (Lexington, V A) Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) Webb Institute (Glen Cove, NY) Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA) Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) Williams College (Williamstown, MA) Yale University (New Haven, CT)